Yalla Let's Dance 2013

Northeast Ohio dancers know that it’s officially autumn when the “Yalla Let’s Dance” workshop and show is on the agenda.

Dancer/choreographer Cassandra Al Warda presents this always fabulous workshop and show at the Bohemian National Hall, 4939 Broadway Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio 44127.This year, the event will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2013.

Guest workshop presenters are Egyptian folk dance master, Sal Maktoub and the Spanish Flamenco-belly dance queen, Silvia Salamanca. Attendees can select either to study with at an all-day workshop that runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sal Maktoub will be teaching “Shaabi! Attitude and Cheekiness from the Back Alleys of Cairo.” There are different styles of Shaabi, Egyptian street dance. What they have in common is attitude, sass, expressiveness, playfulness and humor. Sal will break down technique in the morning and build it into combinations and a short choreography in the afternoon.

Silvia Salamanca will be instructing “Tribal-Fusion Bellydance with Hot Flamenco Flavor.” In the morning, she will break down technique and posture. She will work on hands and arms for snake-like movement. In the afternoon, combinations will be built and a complete short choreography taught, dancing to the music of one of the most innovative Flamenco-Fusion bands in Spain.

Of course, there will be shopping galore with Aegela’s Belly Boutique, Dahlal International and The Cleveland Urban Girl.

In the evening, there will be a gala show featuring the guest instructors and some of Northeast Ohio’s foremost dancers and dance troupes. The doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m. Light snacks, pastries, coffee and soft drinks will be provided. BYOB.

Select a workshop with either Sal or Silvia. The price is $95. Show tickets are $15.

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Nailah has studied Middle Eastern belly dance for over 20 years and instructs at several dance and fitness studios, Cleveland State University and at workshops. She performs professionally at family-friendly venues. She can be reached at WeSnap@sbcglobal.net.